You might have seen or read a lot of articles that discuss tips on how you can choose the right internet provider for a household or an individual who is a streaming buff. We’re pretty sure you’ve read all the tips you can, such as paying attention to the speed you pay for, checking the latency, considering the latency, looking for bundle deals, and many more. And don’t worry, we’re not here to share tips that have been told a thousand times.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing tips for choosing the best internet service provider for TV streaming, but not the common tips that have been shared before. We’ll focus on those that are often overlooked by many people.
1. Check peak-time speeds.
The peak time speed is the internet speed you get during peak times, or the busiest times of the day. It is often where internet users get lower speeds to compensate for the high demand. People usually pay attention to the advertised speed, but the truth is, you will often get lower speeds than the advertised one simply because of the different factors in play, like if you’re using the internet wired or not.
So when you’re choosing an internet service provider for TV streaming, since it is a bandwidth you have to check the peak-time speeds. You can directly ask a customer representative or look for reviews online.
2. Beware of streaming restrictions.
Some ISPs slow down certain streaming platforms while giving others better speeds, especially those they partner with. This can lead to buffering or lower video quality on your favorite apps, even with a fast plan. To avoid surprises, check if the ISP supports net neutrality or ask if all streaming services get the same speed and priority. These restrictions are often included in the fine print, but we all know that no one really reads through the terms and conditions in depth because it’s too long and very time-consuming.
3. Consider the WiFi strength throughout your home.
Even if you have the best internet plan, if the WiFi coverage in your home sucks, you won’t be able to enjoy fast and stable internet speeds. Evaluate the coverage throughout your home, especially if you’re living in a big house or if thick walls are everywhere. Once you determined the dead spots within your home, you can use WiFi extenders/repeaters or look for routers with better coverage. You can ask your potential internet provider for this or look directly into the market.
4. Take video reviews with a grain of salt.
Video reviews are now common because of TikTok, Reels, and many more. Many people go here instead of reading discussions on forums and groups. However, influencer marketing is a thing, and some of these reviews may be biased or even sponsored without clear disclosure. Influencers often get paid or receive free services in exchange for positive reviews, which can make their opinions less genuine. While video reviews can still provide helpful insights, don’t rely on them entirely when choosing an ISP.
If anything, it’s best to ask for personal recommendations. If your sister says “Go for what Metronet offers because I can watch my TV series in peace with their service” or if your cousin says “Don’t choose [provider] because their customer service sucks”, believe them. But of course, make sure you consider their location because one provider may perform poorly in a specific location but perform great in another location.
The Bottom Line
Choosing an internet service provider for TV streaming is very important because it’s not just your streaming that will be affected if you choose wrong. Aside from all the tips you’ve read before, make sure to consider the ones we’ve mentioned here so that you can find the best one for your needs. Good luck!